Rebecca's face was ashen.
"What did I say wrong? Isn't it true? If she's so overbearing to an outsider like me, I can only imagine how she treats Byron at home!"
"I swear, I'm going to knock your teeth out today!" Mike fumed.
"Enough!" Athena's voice came from behind him.
Mike turned around, visibly frustrated. "Ms. Stella..."
Athena calmly moved forward, positioning herself between the two arguing parties, then fixed her gaze on the visibly agitated Rebecca.
"I know very well why Byron fell ill. You don't have to think you can use that as a weapon against me," Athena said to Rebecca. "When it comes to Byron, whether it was ten years ago, six years ago, or now, I've always acted with a clear conscience."
Athena never truly understood who was in the wrong.
But she was sure it wasn't her.
When Byron had been in another relationship, she had dutifully cared for him, meticulous in both personal and professional matters, always following his instructions to the letter.
She had once given Byron a chance, diving into their relationship headfirst, but Byron had betrayed her trust. She never regretted escaping with their child. As for the consequences Byron faced later, those were the seeds he had sown, and he had to reap what he'd planted.
The fault wasn't hers. She only wanted to live freely with her children.
As for their reunion, she believed she had been merciful. Instead of tormenting Byron, she quickly forgives him.
Byron's illness was an unfortunate circumstance for both of them.
However, she was rational and refused to let past burdens weigh her down.
She wouldn't even give those burdens a second glance.
All she wanted was for Byron to recover under Ennis' care.
Nothing more.
"You claim you have a clear conscience?" Rebecca laughed sarcastically. "I truly don't understand. Why is Byron so deeply enamored with someone as cold and emotionless as you? You don't love anyone. You only love yourself."
"Rebecca!" Ennis shouted in anger, grabbing Rebecca by the arm. "Come with me now!"
"Ennis, let go!" Rebecca struggled fiercely.
Athena's voice sounded again. "No matter how much you resist, working in the marketing department of the company I arranged for you is your best option. If you really don't cooperate, I have other, less pleasant paths for you to consider."
Ennis looked at Athena with a complex expression.
Athena returned his gaze. "Mr. Freed, it's time for work."
Athena's demeanor was imposing, exuding the authority unique to those in power.
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